Person airlifted to hospital after being hit by train at Prittlewell station

A person has been flown to hospital by Air Ambulance after being hit by a train at Prittlewell station during this morning’s rush hour.

A major emergency response was launched at around 7.40am after the person was struck by a train as it arrived at Prittlewell from Southend Victoria.

Police officers, paramedics and firefighters rushed to the scene, working quickly and carefully to free the injured person from beneath the train.

The Essex & Herts Air Ambulance was also dispatched, landing in a nearby playing field at around 8am with critical care doctors on board before the casualty was flown to hospital for specialist treatment.

Despite being struck by the train and becoming trapped underneath it, the person’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

The train is understood to have been travelling at a relatively low speed because of the short distance between Southend Victoria and Prittlewell stations, meaning it was approaching the platform rather than travelling at line speed.

The service was busy with morning commuters, who remained on board while emergency services dealt with the incident. As the train had only just entered the platform, most of it was still outside the station, preventing passengers from leaving until the incident had been safely resolved.

The incident caused disruption on the Greater Anglia network, with both lines between Southend Victoria and Wickford blocked. Train services were cancelled, delayed or revised throughout the morning while emergency services remained at the scene.

A spokesperson for the British Transport Police said: “Officers were called to Prittlewell railway station at 7.36am today (July 22) following reports of a casualty on the tracks. Paramedics also attended, and a person was taken to hospital with injuries that are not thought to be life-threatening or life-changing. The incident is not being treated as suspicious.”

Witnesses praised the professionalism and speed of the emergency response.

Paula Hinds said: “I just want to give a respectful nod to all the emergency services that attended this situation including the Ambulance, Police, Fire service & HEMS. They were extremely rapid and professional. I hope all involved are going to be okay.”

Passenger Slade Alf, who was travelling on the train involved, said: “I was on this train when it stopped just before Prittlewell. Well done to the emergency responders for coming fast.”